It would probably be good for me to do an intro to this piece, but I’m going to skip all the foreplay and just get right to the action. And let’s be honest – you probably wouldn’t have read the intro anyway.

Below is my first mock draft of the year. You can disagree all you want, but just make sure you go into detail in the comments section so I know you care. I hate those bastards that trash my work and don’t have the common courtesy to tell me how much of a moron I am in print…

Let’s mock!

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Jason Smith (Baylor), Eugene Monroe (Virginia) and Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) are all possibilities for new GM Martin Mayhew with this pick. But the offensive tackle and linebacker positions are deep in this year’s draft – the quarterback position is not. Mayhew can get his franchise quarterback in Stafford, select an offensive tackle at No. 20 and then fill the middle linebacker need in the second or third round. There, I just fixed the 0-16 Detroit Lions in less than 100 words.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
If Smith goes No. 1 to the Lions, then I fully expect the Rams to take Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe. With the jettison of long-time veteran Orlando Pace this offseason, St. Louis needs to address their need at left tackle and they’ll do so with either Smith or Monroe depending on who’s available. If it’s Smith, then they land one of the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
The Chiefs could really use a right tackle to pair with last year’s first round pick, Branden Albert, but Curry would be too good to pass up here. GM Scott Pioli put a premium on versatile defenders while he was in New England, and that’s exactly what Curry is. The Wake Forest product could play either outside or inside in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme and is easily the best defensive prospect in this year’s draft.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
The Seahawks would love to see Curry fall to No. 4, but it’s doubtful that he would slip past the Chiefs at No. 3 unless KC values Monroe more. Walter Jones is still extremely effective for his age, but the Hawks need to start grooming someone to take his place. Monroe doesn’t have a high ceiling, but he’s solid nonetheless and a very safe pick.

5. San Francisco 49ers (via trade with Cleveland): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
My first curve ball of the day; fearing rumors that the Jaguars could take Sanchez at No. 8, the Niners swap picks with the Browns and give up their second round pick (which Cleveland could desperately use) in the process. Do I think Sanchez is worthy of a top 5 pick? No, but he’s a hometown product and clearly San Fran isn’t sold on Alex Smith ever developing.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Offensive tackle is one of the Bengals’ biggest needs and while there’s a great chance they could go with Alabama’s Andre Smith instead, Oher remains a safer choice. Smith has been a complete disaster since being suspended for the Sugar Bowl, which is exactly why some project him to go to the dysfunctional Bengals. But for the moment, let’s give Paul Mike Brown the benefit of the doubt (I think just threw up a little) and believe he’ll choose Oher, who has less natural talent than Smith, but who is definitely blessed with more motivation and determination.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
As always, the Raiders need to address their offensive line and they could stand to add a defensive end, too. But Al Davis likes flash in the first round and nothing says flash like drafting a receiver. There are some concerns about Crabtree’s foot, but he remains one of the best prospects in this year’s draft and would make a nice toy for JaMarcus Russell. (Assuming Russell can get the ball to Crabtree without throwing it over his head.)

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Jags could stand to upgrade their defensive tackle and cornerback positions, but unfortunately there aren’t any worth taking at No. 8. So they try to address the black hole that is their wideout position with Maclin, and pray he doesn’t become the next in a long line of receiver busts.

9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas
If the Browns stay pat and don’t/can’t trade out from No. 5, there’s a chance Orakpo could wind up in Cleveland. But with Orakpo still on the board here, the Packers select the Texas product in hopes that he can provide a decent pass rush as an outside linebacker in their new 3-4 scheme opposite Aaron Kampman. What the Pack could really use is a 3-4 defensive end, but they won’t find one worthy of the No. 9 overall pick. Florida State outside linebacker/defensive end Everette Brown is also a possibility here.

10. Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State
After signing Eric Barton to play inside next to D’Qwell Jackson in Eric Mangini’s 3-4 defense, the Browns could use an outside linebacker opposite Kamerion Wimbley to help rush the passer. Brown and Texas’ DE/OLB Brian Orakpo would be reaches at No. 5 (where the Browns are currently slated to pick), but at No. 10, Cleveland gets a better value for their selection and would also scoop up another draft pick. (This of course is assuming the aforementioned trade with the 49ers.) Cornerbacks Vonte Davis (Illinois) and Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State) would also be considerations for the Browns, although they would also be reaches at No. 5.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
The Bills desperately need a guard, but there aren’t any available worthy of the No. 11 pick. Instead, Buffalo addresses their pass rush need with Maybin, who has better athleticism and quickness to get after the quarterback than LSU’s Tyson Jackson, who would also be available at this spot.

12. Denver Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
This seems like a slam dunk pick, although if the Packers don’t feel that Ryan Pickett makes an adequate nose tackle in their new 3-4, Raji could be off the board when Denver selects. Raji is the best defensive tackle prospect in the draft and could be the new centerpiece of the Broncos new 3-4 front.

13. Washington Redskins: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Skins might address their need at offensive tackle if Alabama’s Andre Smith and Ole Miss’s Michael Oher are still on the board. But taking a defensive end makes more sense at this point, especially after the team released Jason Taylor. Jackson doesn’t have the quickness to rush the passer like fellow defensive end prospect Aaron Maybin (who I have going to the Bills at No. 11), but he usually gets a good push up front and rarely gets knocked backwards.

14. New Orleans Saints: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Once again the Saints will be looking to address their defensive needs on draft day. After signing safety Darren Sharper in free agency, outside linebacker becomes New Orleans’ biggest need and Cushing certainly helps fill that void. One of four Trojan linebackers that could be taken on day one, Cushing is a flat out workhorse and a football player in every sense of the word.

15. Houston Texans: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
The Texans could use a hard-hitting strong safety, but prospects like Western Michigan’s Louis Delmas and Missouri’s William Moore would be reaches at No. 15. Houston could also upgrade the outside linebacker spot, but with Brian Cushing coming off the board a pick earlier, Beanie Wells looks awfully intriguing. Steve Slaton proved that he can get it done at the next level, but he needs a complement and Wells, who can run between the tackles and outside, could help in that department.

16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
The Chargers don’t have a ton of holes to fill and while an offensive tackle would be nice, only Alabama’s Andre Smith is worthy of a selection at this spot and he doesn’t really seem like an AJ Smith kind of player. So the Chargers take the best player available in Maualuga to address their need for depth at linebacker.

17. New York Jets: Vonte Davis, CB, Illinois
With the hiring of new head coach Rex Ryan, the Jets have mainly focused on defense this offseason. While the need at quarterback is urgent, the Jets could also use a cornerback to play outside Darrelle Revis and Davis proved at the combine that he has more physical skills than Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins. Davis has been accused of freelancing too much, but perhaps Ryan can turn that into a positive with his schemes.

18. Chicago Bears: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
I’m not thrilled about this selection for the Bears, but they seem intent on starting Frank Omiyale, who they picked up in free agency, at right tackle. So with that need filled (and I use that term loosely), wide receiver becomes Chicago’s biggest need and either Harvin or Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey should be available. If the Bears sign veteran Torry Holt, then GM Jerry Angelo (who always screws the pooch in the first round) might lean towards drafting a defensive end such as Tyson Jackson, Aaron Maybin or Larry English.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
The Bucs could look at a defensive end at this spot, but if Freeman falls, he might be too good to pass up. The K-State product has the best physical tools of any quarterback in the draft, but he may be the biggest long-term project, too. He has raw skills that’ll need time to develop, which is why Tampa could go with Luke McCown until Freeman is ready.

20. Detroit Lions: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith arguably has the most talent of any offensive tackle in the draft, but there’s no telling where his head is at after disappearing at the scouting combine and turning in a lackluster pro day. Still, if he falls to the Lions here (which might not be a possibility given how many teams ahead of them also need an offensive tackle), he might be too good to pass up. For the record, I wouldn’t touch this kid with a 10-foot pole if I were a GM. But I’m not a GM and Smith will probably turn out to be a Pro Bowler in spite of my comments.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
The Eagles need to address their left tackle position at some point, but in this mock, all of the top offensive tackles are off the board. With Brian Westbrook’s health always a concern and Correll Buckhalter jetting to Denver, Moreno is the do-everything back the Eagles’ covet. He doesn’t have tremendous speed or power, but Moreno’s instincts and vision are outstanding and he could one day take over as Westbrook’s replacement.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Alex Mack, C, California
Center isn’t the sexiest pick in the first round (in fact, it’s about the least sexiest outside of kicker and punter), but the departure of Matt Birk left a gaping hole in the middle of the Vikings’ offensive line. Mack is extremely smart (not unlike Birk) and is physical and aggressive at the point of attack.

23. New England Patriots: Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
The Patriots have been mentioned in trade rumors surrounding Julius Peppers, but those appear to be dead now. The Pats obviously want to upgrade their outside linebacker position and Sintim is the best available. Sintim flashed the ability to get to the passer in college and Bill Belichick could have a field day designing ways for him to do that.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
After contract negotiations broke down with free agent L.J. Smith, many expect the Falcons to take a tight end at this spot – especially if Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew is available. But despite making the playoffs last year, Atlanta has a ton of holes to fill defensively and after re-signing Chauncey Davis, defensive end doesn’t seem to be a bigger need than outside linebacker, defensive tackle or safety. Matthews isn’t the most physically gifted prospect, but he has a non-stop motor and could compete with Coy Wire and Mike Peterson on the outside.

25. Miami Dolphins: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
There’s a good possibility that Jenkins will be long gone by this point, but he certainly didn’t help himself at the combine. He timed slow in the 40-yard dash and dropped multiple passes in drills. But that doesn’t mean he can’t play. Jenkins is a big corner with solid instincts and if he does fall this far, he would be a steal for Miami.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
After releasing Samari Rolle, the Ravens have a major need at cornerback and if Smith is still available, he would be an instant upgrade. He’s on the smaller side, but he’s a good athlete and has excellent athleticism and quickness.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Much like B.J. Raji going to Denver with the No. 12 pick, this just seems like a slam dunk. The Colts need a run-stuffing defensive tackle and while Jerry doesn’t have a ton of size or bulk, he fits Indy’s style of defense because he’s quick and explosive.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
After allowing L.J. Smith to bolt via free agency, the Eagles could use an upgrade at tight end if they don’t feel that Brent Celek is ready to be a full-time starter. Pettigrew might not drop this far, but he’s the best tight end prospect in the draft and not only is he a solid pass-catcher, but he’s a decent blocker as well.

29. New York Giants: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
If Bey lasts, he would be a steal for the Giants at this spot. New York is in obvious need of a wideout with Plaxico Burress’s situation still up in the air and while Bey was inconsistent catching the ball at times in college, there’s no denying his deep threat capabilities. Think Eli Manning would love to have a receiver that runs a 4.30 and that can go up and get the ball?

30. Tennessee Titans: Darius Butler, Connecticut
The Titans could use a corner to play opposite Cortland Finnegan once Nick Harper decides to call it quits. Butler has excellent quickness and athleticism, although he comes with some durability issues. Still, the former Huskie is a smart, confident player and someone that Tennessee could bring along slowly to eventually replace Harper.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
Starting nose tackle Bryan Robinson is 34 and although the team re-signed Gabe Watson, he’s not a long-term solution at the position. Brace definitely benefited from playing alongside B.J. Raji at Boston College, but he projects into a 3-4 nose tackle because he has the ability to shoot the gaps and give a good push up front. He has excellent size at 6’3”, 334 pounds.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
Considering he’s the best guard prospect in the draft, Robinson might not last to the 32nd pick in the first round. But if he does, the Steelers would instantly upgrade their guard position with the 6’5”, 329-pound former Sooner. Robinson has outstanding strength and is very power.

I would love to agree with this mock, although I was turned off nearly immediately. Drew Stanton, er… Matthew Stafford #1 overall, I just can’t get behind it! I would rather trade that pick for Derek Anderson or Matt Leinart (there not worth it either) and save $30 million. I do like the Andre Smith pick at 20 if he is available. I know you and many others wouldn’t want him, but I roll the dice on that kind of talent. To me the scary part about this mock is how much better the NFC North would get. Orakpo falls to the Pack, the Bears get Harvin (who looked great at his pro day) and the Vikings get Mack… I hate it!

I am not loving the Harvin pick for Da Bears at 18. I really think if it were a smart pick (reminding you that’s probably the complete opposite of Jerry Angelo, GM, resident mental midget) it would be best OT available. Even if the top 4 are off the board, I would still go for an E Britton or even Beatty, then maybe go WR, FS or DE in rd 2. I really think Angelo is scared to death to pick any offensive skill position in the first round again for fear of deadly busts (see Dave Terrell, Rex Grossman, Ced “the boatman” Benson), so I could see him going OL as a “safe pick” or possibly defensive player.

If the pick HAD to be WR and Harvin, Heyward-Bey were both on the board I’d have to imagine they’d go DHB. Better long-term prospect from everything I’ve seen/read. Harvin has talent, but I haven’t heard anyone refer to him as a possible #1 NFL receiver in the future. If you look at his numbers from this past year at florida, you’ll see most of his damage came on via a split on the ground as a runner, and as a pass-catcher:
RUSHING: 70 ATT 668 YDS 10 TD 80 LONG 9.4 AVG
RECEIVING: 40 REC 644 YDS 16.1 YPR 7 TD 70 LONG

I know DHB’s numbers aren’t eye-popping either but what I look at with him is more potential, especially since I think some kids who were 3rd string QBs at my HS might have been able to start for Maryland – awful QB play.

To me, Nicks out of UNC is a solid target with great hands, good YAC & instincts – may not have the greatest timed speed but is big bodied and strong. Reminds me a bit of Anquan Boldin. I think someone fitting that bill is more complementary to be opposite of Devin Hester (yet another project WR with speed).

Just my humble opinion. Jerry Angelo will draft whoever I don’t want him to anyway, so Mr. Harvin, welcome to Chicago; where receivers go to die.

Couldn’t agree with you more. I think Holt would be a slam-dunk FA signing. If Holt is locked up (clasping fingers saying “Please God sign him!”) then I think OT or best DL/FS would be the way to go in round 1, then address WR later.

I think it’s even more imperative that OT is the way to go, given A) depth of draft in that category, and B) serious questions about Chris Williams’ health. Chris Williams (as you mentioned, selected ahead of B Albert)- this is a 20-something year old kid who you drafted #14 overall last year and he has back surgery for a herniated disc in season 1?! Scary.

I’m sorry but I’d just take OT/OL early & often if I’m the Bears….yikes.

Anthony, forgot to mention anything about the rest of the mock! I was so wrapped up in that Bears pick…wow, totally slipped my mind.

Clint Sintim for the Pats at 23…my though was that Larry English, DE/OLB from NIU would be a solid Belecheat fit in that scheme, but am not as familiar with what Sintim can do. Is he as versatile or just pure pass-rusher? I think the few knocks I’ve seen/heard on English is he’s a ‘tweener – too small for DE, too much of a pass-rushing talent to let sit in OLB coverage reading a FB in the flat. For that matter do they go Clay Matthews before ATL can get on the clock and snag him??

Funny you mentioned that about the Pats and Falcs’ picks, Doug E Fresh, because at first, I had Matthews going to NE and Sintim to the Falcons.

But Sintim was a pass-rushing beast at Virginia and assuming NE does/did have interest Peppers, it would be because they want their outside linebacker to get to the quarterback.

Matthews isn’t much in the pass rush department, although I used these exact words when I first had him going to New England, “Matthews just seems like a Bill Belichick kind of player doesn’t he? He’s just a hard-working, hard-nosed football player…”

I could definitely see the Pats taking Larry English (and the Falcons for that matter), although as you pointed out, he doesn’t have a defined role. He is versatile, however, and the Pats love that quality in their LBs.

Ok, I will do my part here to contribute, without using any verbage about how “I can’t get behind this draft.”

If I were you Doug, I would be concerned that with Andre Smith sitting on the board at #18 that the Bears go that direction. Another mammoth OT for Angelo to snatch up and play on the right side. I don’t see Angelo passing up Smith for Beatty or Britton.

The Miami pick, I would be thrilled if I were Miami to have Jenkins fall that far and into my lap, and that may be Parcells pick considering his willingness to go defense, but with WR being their biggest need, do they pass on DHB?

I’m going to revisit the Bears again… you may have great (albeit aging LB’s) but you now have asst. head coach Marinelli on board, don’t rule out a Clay Matthews type pick yourself. He is a “Marinelli Man”, non stop motor, undersized and underappreciated. If he has any say in the war room, you will begin to see that defense shrink down in stature.

I hate to say it, but I think the pick of the draft so far is Orakpo to GB, that is a huge need, and a great talent to fall that far!

Despite is horrible performance at the combine, I still think that Jenkins can be a solid corner in the NFL. He probably won’t hold up in man to man, but he could be a good fit in a Cover 2 or Cover 4 because he’s smart.

Vontae Davis is a stud, but he could be the next DeAngelo Hall (both for the good and bad). He freelances and there’s some worry that he won’t work to become a great pro.

Jenkins just seems like a Parcells’ type of player. He might not have a high ceiling, but I think he’ll be a solid overall player that you can plug into a system and he’ll give you 6-8 good years.

I definitely think that will be a great pick for Miami, especially that far down in the draft! I can see the argument for DHB, but Parcells doesn’t like to take the WR that early, he’ll be on the Dougie thought train and hope he can get a good 2nd tier WR in round 2.

Maybe we have! Does Jenkins have some sort of serious injury that will cause him to miss much of the season? Or, perhaps Vontae Davis is still on the board… Because these are definitely reasons I think Angelo takes Jenkins.

-I can’t see Detroit passing elite LT like J Smith, Stafford just isn’t good enough to go #1
-The Cleveland trade works well for cleveland, but can’t see Singletary giving up picks in his first season at HC and wants to get that def better, and like you said #10 is a great spot for picking DE/OLB’s.
-With as good of a combine/pro day that Raji had, I don’t see him getting past5,6,8,9,10. All need DT, but if Den gets him, McDaniels gets happy again.
-Great spot for Maybin- their need and moving up charts
-Doesn’t NYJ get extra picks because Saints re-signed Vilma. Thought that was part of the trade. if so, do you know the details? And also might try to bolster that CB/FS position, which could be perfect for Jenkins. Figure out where he plays best, then go after the other next yr.
-Great Texan pick to go with Slaton’s speed
-I used to not really like Harvin, but he’s starting to look like a bigger,slower chris johnson. Could see a creative OC get some good use out of him. If Ginn can go in the top 10, Harvin might not even be there for Chi-town
-Think Freeman will slide when teams look into his film more.
-Think A Smith is more of a RT or even OG, which I think takes Det out of the running.
-Have you heard anything about what Phi thinks of Booker. All I heard before was he didn’t get the system, but was a perfect fit. Now that he has had a full year exp, not sure what direction they go
-Can see Miami taking Jenkins just on value, but think Parcells really wants to take a LB
-Great value and needs the rest of the way.
Awesome first mock. Look forward to the next version

I can see the Seahawks trading the #4 pick to the Eagles and moving down to add another pick. The Eagles would use that pick for the best OT available. That would give the Seahawks 3 picks in the top 37. They would then take an OT in a later round.

Bears will need to address the line, which one, pick one. I think its OG or a DE if they stick to the “Cover Who” defense with no pressure being made and DE maybe good. I hope they take a LB myself, but they wont.

Saints, man I love the pick, and yeah they need to get Vilma and Fujita help, big time. After letting go McKenzie and signing a few DL people, they need back 7 help.

Man Stafford and Sanchez. Detroit needs 18-20 new starters. One of these HAS to be better than the old line up.

Sorry, I am nitpicking, and I am very sure that it was a typo – but it is “Mike” Brown that’s in charge of the Bengals now – now his great father “Paul”. You threw up a little? Imagine the effect you would have had on Paul in his grave when you used his name instead of his son’s!

I agree with you that they won’t pick Andre Smith at 6 because for the last 3 years, they have made a conscious effort to pick people with good “character” – at least in the early rounds ( J.Joseph, Leon Hall, Keith Rivers as the first picks over the last 3 years). Andre is not worth the risk given the depth of OTs in this draft (as you pointed out yourself)

In any case, I sincerely hope you are wrong about the Bengals picking Michael Oher at 6 either because that’s a big reach (at 15-20, he’s great value). What are the chances they could trade down with someone that wants WR Crabtree and are afraid Al Davis will pounce?

I can’t imagine the Pats passing on Malcolm Jenkens and Brandon Pettigrew if Sintim and Matthews are both still on the board. With 4 first day picks, they can draft on value, and either would be a great find that late in the draft. That would leave them a good chance of catching one of the two at #34, and even if they missed, Connor Barwin will still be available

Steve – that was typo and you’re not nitpicking at all. I’ve fixed the mistake and I thank you for your comment and opinion. And you’re right – Mike probably would have thrown up if he saw that!

As far as your question, you’re right that Oher would be a reach at No. 6. And if the Bengals could trade down and still land him 15-20, they would get a great value.

But let’s say they reach on Oher at No. 6 and he turns out to be a Pro Bowler? Four years down the road is anyone going to care that they took him at 6 instead of at 15? And I’m not being condescending at all Steve; I’ve often gotten into this debate with myself and whether or not teams get enough “value” on draft day.

If the guy can play, he can play. Oher is a great prospect and I think he would be solid for the Bengals. If they can trade back and still get him – all the better.

And as long as teams don’t get too caught up into Crabtree’s foot issues, I definitely think some team could trade up in order to land him.

Your reasoning behind taking Oher at 6, is the same that Detroit should have about Curry at 1, if they fall in love with him. If the guy turns out to be the next great MLB, will it really matter if he was taken at #1? No one seems to say much about him at #3, in fact, all I hear is how great it would be if he was there. Now, tell me how in 5 years the one pick that seperates those slots is that big of a deal…

If the Lions were to take P. Willis a couple years ago at #2, everyone would have flipped (except for a good buddy of mine that wants a decent LB in a Lions jersey more than anything) but would anyone care now? No! It would actually be considered a great pick and a successful draft. So, I say, if you believe a guy is the perfect fit for your team, but its a few slots before you are “supposed” to take him, do it anyway!

I definitely agree with taking who you think will be the best player. Oak wouldn’t have to worry about someone jumping in front to take Crabtree if they already had Calvin Johnson instead of their OT playing at QB. This could make the lions want to take Curry for MLB, then OT or CB at #20, but they would probably be better off taking J Smith #1, then Laurinitis #20. Jon, I’m sure this shows your friend that the team would be better off choosing value based on what should be there for them at #20.

The 49ers would never trade up for Sanchez. Are you trying to go out of your way to look like a genius or something? They gave up the most sacks in the league last year and Singletary wants to install a power running game. Shaun Hill is perfectly adequet for that roll. It is also widely known that Singletary is a fan of Alex Smith

I really hope you are right with Green Bay passing up Raji so that Denver can take him. I don’t think it will happen, though, so I think we will choose between Jackson and Maualuga. Who do you think fits better in our system?

Being from cleveland would love to trade down but i just dont think its going to happen. singletarty wants the run game and d so its not them. do not think jenkins goes 25. maybe 23 to pats at very least. loved the beenie to houston pick thats where i have him too. detroit goes qb for sure. all in all draft looks great.

A lot of people envision Jenkins going sooner than where I have him coming off the board and I may move him up as I update. Even though this isn’t a very strong class for DBs, two or three corners usually come off the board in the first 25 picks.

I need a tight end to throw to. Clay mathew is a reach at this pick.if you want to adress defense, pick a corner or a safety. Maybe replacing jamaal Anderson is not a bad idea. Or grab a dt to stop the run for once.(where is grady Jackson)

Matt Ryan – I know you need a tight end to throw to and Pettigrew would be fantastic. But half your defense left via free agency and the tight end doesn’t play a huge role in Mike Mularkey’s offense.

You’re telling me that Matthews would be a reach at No. 24, yet any of the safeties in this weak class wouldn’t be? A corner would be fine, although Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff seem to be set on Chris Houston at one spot and will Chevis Jackson a chance to battle Von Hutchins on the other. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Falcons go corner, but Matthews wouldn’t be a reach at that spot.

Matt – I think Nicholas has a ton of potential and has a higher upside than Coy Wire. If Nicholas could beat out either Wire or Mike Peterson on the outside, the Falcons would have the makings of a nice young linebacker corps with everything revolving around Lofton in the middle obviously. (Another wild card is Robert James, who missed all of his rookie season because of injury, although is probably nothing more than a special teamer.)

To me, Wire and Peterson are solid players but they don’t have any upside at this point in their career. They’re two-down players and that’s why the Falcons need some younger LBs to emerge (like Nicholas or a rookie or both) so that they don’t get shredded in coverage this year.

I think Jamaal Anderson might not make it out of training camp and to answer your question, I could see the Falcons go DE at some point in the draft. Will it be at No. 24? I don’t know about that with Chauncey Davis being re-signed, but there’s no doubt they need another pass rusher because as you noted, Anderson isn’t it. There was some talk about Jamaal moving inside because he’s pretty solid against the run. But it’s too early to tell at this point.